James, 24, is coming off his first MLS season after being drafted ninth overall out of Connecticut in this year’s draft. He saw action in 13 games (including 10 starts), netting one goal.

The Trinidad and Tobago native boasts impressive size (6-0, 180) and speed, the latter something the Dynamo lacked this season.

“Julius is an aggressive, fast defender that fits really well in our style of play,” coach Dominic Kinnear said. “I think he has a very bright future, not only in our club, but also in Major League Soccer,”

James brings something else to the table – a low salary that is bound to ease cap pressure on the Dynamo.

In essence, the Dynamo are trading De Rosario’s $325,000 yearly compensation – high by MLS standards – for James’ $45,000 salary.

“It swings our salary cap in a huge, huge way,” Canetti said. “We now have incredible flexibility to do a lot of things.”

High on the Dynamo’s priority list is shopping for a forward to replace Nate Jaqua, who left for Seattle FC last month, and a backup goalkeeper.